Tecumseh's Britt to continue baseball career at Toledo

When Tecumseh High School baseball player Jacob Britt starting drawing recruiting interest, there was a chance he might have added a wrinkle to an existing family rivalry.

Britt's mother, Pamela, graduated from Michigan and his father, Keith, graduated from Michigan State. In a household divided on the in-state rivalry, the outfielder/pitcher said he cheers for the Wolverines.

The senior attended Michigan baseball games growing up and became close with the coaching staff during the recruiting process. Michigan State took notice of him as well, but family ties were promptly put aside when Britt chose to accept a baseball scholarship from the University of Toledo.

"As soon as I came back from Toledo, I told my parents it was a place I could see myself living for the next four years and playing baseball at," Britt said. "My mom is a pretty big Michigan fan, and she loves to watch their games, but when I decided on where to go to college my parents really supported me and wanted what was the best fit for me both academically and for athletics."

Britt was attracted to the camaraderie of the Rockets baseball team, but also chose Toledo because he plans to pursue a doctorate degree in physical therapy and the university offers a renowned program.

"I use Jacob as an example a lot," said Tecumseh coach Tom Bullinger. "He's an extremely hard worker inside the classroom and out."

His dedication on the field translated to a standout junior season in 2011 that garnered Division 2 second team All-State and first team All-County honors.

Britt batted .394 with 10 doubles, two triples, three home runs, 38 RBIs, a .473 on-base percentage and .606 slugging percentage. On the hill, he went 4-2 with a 3.20 ERA, striking out 38, walking 13 and allowing 33 hits in 39 1/3 innings.

Last spring, Britt and the Indians piled up a school-record 29 wins and earned the Southeastern Conference White Division championship.

In 2010, Tecumseh made a run to the Division 2 state quarterfinals. Britt smashed home runs in both the state regional and quarterfinal.

"He's a kid who leads by example," Bullinger said. "He's pretty quiet, but he works extremely hard and he's passionate about the game. Day in and day out his work ethic makes him a great kid to have on your team."

Britt credits Bullinger for playing a significant role in his development the past three years. He said Tecumseh assistant coach Joe Linde, a standout pitcher at Eastern Michigan from 1999 to 2002, also became an important resource as the slugger began narrowing down his options.

"Whenever I had any questions about going off to college and what it will take to play at that level, Coach Linde has always been available," Britt said. "He's been there before, so he's a great mentor."

Following his senior season at Tecumseh, Britt will head to a Toledo program which has earned its way to the Mid-American Conference Tournament the past three seasons, winning the MAC West Division for the first time in 2011.

Toledo coach Corey Mee raved about Britt, saying he will be a valuable addition to the Rockets roster.

"We targeted Jacob as one of our top recruits," Mee said. "He's a really good athlete who swings well from the left side. We project him to be in the middle of the order during his time here. He's also an excellent student and a top-notch person from a great family. He's a really a great fit for us."

Toledo does not have plans to use Britt as a pitcher, but seeing him on the mound at the next level is not entirely out of the question, according to Mee.

"We know Jacob pitches for his high school team and has been quite successful, but we envision him as an outfielder and a middle-of-the-order type hitter," Mee said. "You never say never, though."